Gastown, named after 'Gassy' Jack Deighton - a Yorkshire seaman, steamboat captain and barman who opened the area's first saloon in 1867 - Gastown is where Vancouver began. A self-guided walk will reveal the area's colourful history.

Things to see and do in Gastown

Visit the old morgue that's now a Police museum

Check out the First Nations art galleries for something beautiful to take home

Find the Steam Clock and the statue of 'Gassy' Jack Deighton

Eat lunch at a pub or craft brewery

Go on a Gastown Tasting Tour, which is like a progressive dinner

Do the 'Forbidden Vancouver' night-time tour of Gastown's most infamous places

North of Vancouver's CBD is Stanley Park, a vast area of green that's almost an island. As well as fun outdoor activities and beautiful scenery, the park offers an opportunity to understand the First Nations people, the original inhabitants of Vancouver.

Things to see and do in Stanley Park

Learn about First Nations' history and culture on a 90-minute walking tour, led by a First Nations descendent

Find the totem poles at Brockton Point, a collection that started in the 1920s

Rent bikes and ride around the Stanley Park seawall, keeping an eye out for otters and seals

Snap a selfie in Stanley Park's famous hollow tree

Watch the birds at Beaver Lake and Lost Lagoon - you might even see a beaver!

Hike the 27-kilometre trail network

Snack or lunch at one of the park's restaurants, cafes or snack trucks

Today is about mountains, rivers and forests, as well as ways to get up, over and around them. First stop is Capilano Suspension Bridge Park for adventurous fun involving structures and trees. Then it's on to Grouse Mountain for an unforgettable SkyRide journey and an assortment of shows that epitomise Canada. From the central city you can catch a shuttle, taxi or a combo of ferry and bus to reach Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain.

Things to do today

Feel the sway and bounce as you walk over the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge

Learn about the ‘Capilano Tramps' from the 1900s, the original tourists to the park

Dare to do the Cliffwalk, a labyrinth of cantilevered bridges, stairs and platforms 33 metres above the forest floor

Ride up Grouse Mountain on the SkyRide to get a special appreciation of the region's geography

Watch the antics of Grinder and Coola, the orphan grizzlies that live in Grouse Mountain's wildlife refuge

More of a sandspit than an island, Granville Island was once an industrious place full of factories and sawmills. Now it's an industrious place full of creative business people, artisans and performers. You can combine Granville Island with Vanier Park, which has several interesting museums.

Things to do at Granville Island

If you're walking to the island, catch a colourful mini-tugboat over False Creek

Go straight to the Public Market to meet some locals and discover First Nations art

Join a food walking tour of the market, to find fresh and unusual local flavours

Use the False Creek ferry service to visit Vanier Park, where you'll find the Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver Maritime Museum or HR MacMillan Space Centre

Just an hour's drive north of Vancouver is the town of Squamish, where you can get another view of Canada's history, culture and wildlife. Located at the top of a fiord and surrounded by spectacular mountains, this adventure-minded town offers a range of outdoor activities. It's also a place to experience art, music and theatre - as the breathtaking location inspires local creativity.

If you continue north you'll come to Whistler, a world-famous snow sport mecca in winter and spring, and an alpine fun town all year round. We recommend you stay one night in Squamish and another in Whistler before returning to Vancouver.

Things to do in Squamish and Whistler

Catch the Sea To Sky gondola for views of the sound and nearby Shannon Falls

Get adventurous with an Eagle Float tour down the Squamish and Mamquam River to see salmon-eating bald eagles

Visit the Britannia Mine Museum - a mine that has literally been turned into a museum!

Discover the award-winning Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, a beautiful space to learn about the history of First Nations people

Go hiking in Garibaldi Provincial Park to see alpine perfection

Try one of Whistler's many non-skiing activities, like ziplining, white water rafting, tree-top adventures or a bobsleigh tour

Watch an ice hockey game at Rogers Arena, or indoor lacrosse if you're visiting during summer

7Horseshoe BayDay 8

7Horseshoe BayDay 8

A day in Horseshoe Bay will give you a taste of small-town coastal life in British Columbia. Although it has a permanent population of just 1,000 people, this village has plenty of charming shops, galleries and places to eat. The local tourism industry is centred on Howe Sound eco-experiences.

Things to do in Horseshoe Bay

Arrive by ferry, because the journey along the coast is wonderfully scenic

See Howe Sound wildlife and hear local stories on a sea safari tour

If you have boating experience, rent a boat and explore the local islands and coves at your own pace

Walk to Whytecliff Park to see the seals

Eat fish and chips while you watch the boats come and go from the marina

Across the Salish Sea is Vancouver Island and the spectacular historic city of Victoria. You could visit by boat, but it takes a few hours to get there, so a seaplane flight is recommended instead. You get aerial sightseeing as well as transport, and the fare is surprisingly affordable. Your day in Victoria will revolve around appreciating the historic architecture, finding the perfect seafood restaurant for lunch and checking out the local museums.

Things to do in Victoria

Wonder at the detail within Craigdarroch Castle, a restored Victorian mansion that was built by a Scottish coal tycoon

Tour the magnificent British Columbia Parliament Buildings, built in 1898

Unless you're planning to head off on our recommended Rockies Road tour, today's your last day in Vancouver. Before your evening flight home to New Zealand there will be time to do a few things you might have missed.

Things to do on your last day

Roam around the Bloedal Conservatory, a temperature-controlled domed paradise that's home to more than 120 free-flying exotic birds, 500 exotic plants and thousands of flowers

Shop at Nordstrom, North America's best-loved department store

Wander around Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Chinatown

Head up the Harbour Centre Tower for a final view of the city, harbour and mountains

Top off your Canadian holiday with a self-drive Rockies Road Tour from Vancouver to Calgary, then catch a domestic flight back to Vancouver. You could comfortably do this journey in four days, or take longer if you have the time. New Zealanders can drive in Canada on an NZ driver's license for up to three months.